Sensitivity of Electrocardiography in Detecting Left Ventricular Hypertrophy in Pakistani Population.

Abstract

To find out the sensitivity of electrocardiography in diagnosing left ventricular hypertrophy as diagnosed by echocardiography in local Pakistani Population. Case series with prospective data collection. Fifty adult patients diagnosed to be having left ventricular hypertrophy on echocardiography were enrolled and their ECGs were done. Romhilt and Estes point score system was used to diagnose left ventricular hypertrophy. Fifty patient with mean age 53.4 year ranging from 21-75 years having left ventricular hypertrophy on echocardiography were included, 36(72%) were males 14 (28%) were females. Out of fifty patients with LVH 22 (44%) were having Romhilt and Estes score more than 5 i.e. positive for LVH, giving overall sensitivity of 44%. Of those with positive ECG evidence sensitivity is 50% in males (18 out of 36) and 35% in females (4 out of 14 patient) ECG has lower sensitivity in diagnosing Left ventricular hypertrophy. Sensitivity is more in males compared to females ST-T criteria has highest sensitivity. Considering easy availability and cost effectiveness, ECG should be kept as routine investigation for diagnosing Left ventricular hypertrophy, however electrocardiographic criteria needs to be modified to make it more reliable.